Scammers are impersonating Iranian authorities, demanding cryptocurrency payments like Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether's USDT for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime risk firm MARISKS reported that unknown actors are sending fraudulent messages to shipping companies, promising transit clearance after payment.
MARISKS believes at least one vessel fired upon by Iranian boats had paid a fraudulent fee. Experts warn that any cryptocurrency transit payment carries sanctions liability, regardless of the recipient.
These demands follow recent Iranian officials requiring tolls for passage to be made in Bitcoin, reportedly to evade sanctions. However, the actual operation of such a system at scale has been disputed, with blockchain forensics firms seeing no on-chain data to confirm its use for Hormuz transit fees.
Even if the payment does not reach Iranian authorities, paying a scammer does not eliminate sanctions exposure. Regulators could scrutinize a company's intent to pay what it believed was a sanctioned regime. Standard anti-scam practices, such as verifying demands through official channels and consulting maritime security advisors, are advised.